UTILIZING TECHNOLOGY TO MEASURE BUILDINGS AND LANDSCAPES AT A HIGH LEVEL OF DETAIL IN A FRACTION OF THE TIME

What is 3d Laser scanning?

3D laser scanners create “point clouds” of data from the surface of an object. In other words, 3D laser scanning is a way to capture a physical object's exact size and shape into the computer world as a digital 3-dimensional representation. The laser is eye-safe, and operates at an infrared wavelength. 

The 3D laser scanner operates in a similar fashion to a surveying total station, using the laser to bounce off a target, giving you an x, y, and z coordinate for each point. Unlike a total station, the 3D laser scanner can collect close to 1,000,000 individual points per second with an accuracy of 1-2 millimeters.
Because the scanner is laser-based, scans can be performed in total darkness. Lighting is only important if color scans are necessary.

Our scanner has a range of about 330 meters (1080 ft). A series of scans at different locations are required to record all sides of a building/object of interest.  Individual scans are placed together (registered) to form a ‘project point cloud’ which is a complete 3D representation of the target building or object. The scanner is line-of-sight and cannot see through walls, but can give very accurate wall thicknesses if both sides of the wall are scanned.

After registration, we can import the project point cloud into CAD or Revit to create floor plans, sections, or 3D models.  We can also share the project point cloud with other contractors working on the project which allows them to take measurements and helps to reduce site visits.

Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects is the collaboration of Laurence F. Wilson, M. Jeffrey Baker and Thomas A. Burgess, along with a staff of dedicated employees in the practice of Architecture, Planning and Historic Preservation.  The firm has been established in various iterations since 1965, and currently has offices in Albany, New York and Williamsburg, Virginia.  Through the last five decades, the firm has engaged broad experiences in a variety of extraordinary and complex projects.  Much of the work has involved existing and historic buildings including:

• Conservation

• Restoration

• Renovation

• Rehabilitation

• Adaptive Use

• Contextual and Modern Additions

• Contextual and Modern New Buildings

The firm has achieved national prominence with the restoration of numerous National Historic Landmarks such as:

• Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

• Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest

• James and Dolly Madison’s Montpelier

• George Washington's Mount Vernon

• George Washington’s Birthplace, Ferry Farm

• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Florida Southern College  

• State Capitols (New York, Tennessee, Vermont, Maryland)

While these projects attest to the firm’s achievements at the forefront of preservation on the highest level, we have also successfully completed hundreds of projects at numerous college campuses, local, state and federal courthouses, museums, libraries, hospitality and fitness facilities, and private residences.  Integral to our work is the discipline of research, planning and program development.  The firm is equally skilled at seamlessly inserting accurate period appropriate design as well as contemporary architecture.  Our goal has always been to engage in a broad and diverse architectural practice.